Pedal-Powered Rail Riding… on comfortable TerraTrike seats!
Most recumbent trike riders are familiar with converted rail trails – former railroad lines where the rails have been removed and the rail line is paved. But many people are not familiar with ‘Rail-Riding’!
Rail-riding is unique because it makes use of existing out-of-service railroad lines for pedal-powered adventure! Small pedal vehicles can be ridden down former railroad tracks, providing a great way to experience some stunning scenery, wildlife, and natural habitats.
One of the first Rail-Riding tour companies started in the state of Oregan. In 2014, an Oregon couple kicked off their rail-riding tour business, Tillamook Bay, using sections of inactive rail lines in the northeastern part of Oregon. Tillamook Bay riders pedal small 4-wheeled vehicles on the rails, sitting back in a comfortable position and enjoying the views along the way. Tillamook Bay likens the experience to riding a “four-person recumbent bicycle crossed with a rail car frame!”
Rail Riding is growing in interest across the country and is offered in the Adirondack mountains by Revolution Rail Co. They describe rail riding as being similar to pedaling a paddleboat… but on wheels! Some of the rails that Revolution Rail uses are former freight lines that follow the Hudson River and have never been open to passenger service before, so the views they provide are very unique! They offer both 2 seaters and 4 seaters ‘bikes’, and different length tour options. When you come to the end of the line, the vehicle is turned around on a railway turntable and you head back in the direction you came from.
Rail Riding is very similar to riding a recumbent trike, and we are pleased to see that many of the rail-riding tour companies are making use of the very comfortable TerraTrike seats! Of course, recumbent trike riders already know that riding in comfort is the only way to go!
